The Melbourne Rebels have signed North Harbour lock James King on a two-year deal.

The 24-year-old made his debut for North Harbour in 2007 and played three games for the Blues in this season's Super Rugby competition after being drafted in from the wider training group. He will join former Harbour flanker Tom Chamberlain and high-profile Wallabies James O'Connor and Kurtley Beale at the Melbourne franchise.

"I am very much looking forward to the opportunity to play for the Rebels and to start something new," King said. "The Rebels cannot go anywhere but up from here so it is an opportunity to help build something which is exciting.

"It is definitely going to be good for my game. I have been at Harbour since I left school and have been proud to wear the jersey. My game has developed into more of a tighter game and in Australia it will be an opportunity to learn off someone new and develop other aspects of my game."